The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Unit of the Ministry of Education recently received a cartful of books, toys and games for its young clients from the Judicial Department.

Judge’s Secretary Ms Katrina Johnson and Court Administrator Mr. Kevin McCormac presented the items to ECCE Officer, Ms Reneé Barnes at the Government Administration Building on Wednesday, 6 March 2013.

Ms Johnson single-handedly and voluntarily coordinated donations of cash, as well as new and gently-used items such as books, lunch boxes, DVDs, puzzles, backpacks, toys and stickers. The donations came from Judicial Administration staff, the judiciary and a number of attorneys from local law firms. In addition to the items,

Ms Johnson also handed over CI$330 and US$40.

“We are most grateful for the generous heart of Katrina and her colleagues who made this donation. It is the single largest group donation so far,” Ms Barnes said.

The items will be packed in individual bags and donated to single and unemployed parents in all districts of the Cayman Islands at a later date, for their young children aged birth to five years old.

ECCE will use the monetary donation to purchase children’s books from local stores.

Its objective is to help children build literacy foundation skills by giving them an opportunity to enjoy story time with their families.

On behalf of the unit Ms Barnes thanked all persons who have made contributions to date. At the same time, she expressed the hope that parents will boost the ongoing drive by encouraging their children to donate books, toys and games they no longer use.

Items can be dropped off at the Staff Entrance Lobby of the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue. Ms Barnes can be contacted on tel. 244-5735. On Cayman Brac, donations should be sent to Ms April Tibbetts at the Teacher’s Centre. She can be reached at 948-0374.

Among other functions, ECCE aims to smooth children’s transition between the home, ECCE centres and school. It also helps parents and families to develop an understanding of their children’s learning and developmental needs and to be confident in their role in this process.

Photo captions Photos by Bina Mani:

(L-r); Judge’s Secretary, Ms Katrina Johnson, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Officer, Ms Reneé Barnes and Court Administrator Mr. Kevin McCormac with donated items

Ms Katrina Johnson from the Courts Office hands over a cash donation to Ms Reneé Barnes of the Education Ministry.